Dr Lee is the worlds highest ranking female Tomiki Aikidoka and spent time in Japan studying under the instruction of Kenji Tomiki 9th Dan and Hideo Ohba 9th Dan the founders of the Tomiki/ Shodokan system of Aikido. Dr Lee is recognised as a world-renowned authority on Koryu Kata.

Shaun Hoddy Sensei has graded to the technical rank of 6th Dan 六段 ratified and registered with the Japan Aikido Association, he is also a JAA Shihan Dai for the UK.

Shaun Hoddy Sensei has taught Tomiki Aikido at both national and international seminars and has been featured in Combat Magazine, Irish Fighters and MAI Magazine.​

Andy Wisbey Sensei 5th Dan 五 段 started his Aikido career in 1980 at Westbury Aikido Club under the instruction of John Spurgeon. He then went onto study at the London Shodokan with Phil Newcombe now 7th Dan and graded to 1st Dan within the Shodokan system.

Andy Wisbey Sensei was a founder member of South Woodham Shodokan Aikido Club

In 1992 Essex Aikido Dojo opened a class at Markhams Chase Basildon. Andy Wisbey Sensei became a members of our Dojo and has become a valued member, and later an instructor progressing through the technical ranks to Godan (5th Dan 五 段Black Belt).

Martial Arts classes with Essex Aikido Dojo (Shoshinkan) are structured around a curriculum that allow students to progress through their grades at their own pace.

​Internationally Recognised Dan Grade Qualification

As a BAA affiliated club any member who passes a Dan grade will be issued with a
British Aikido Association Dan grade certificate (Menjo). BAA Dan grades are recognised by the Japan Aikido Association. If students wish, they can also register their Dan grades with the Japan Aikido Association. On payment of the Menjo fees they will receive a Dan grade certificate (Menjo) from Japan.
(Fees subject to change due to exchange rates)

For students who are interested in competitive Aikido the club has produced Junior, Youth and Adult national champions.

Competitive Aikido has various catagories that all ages can participate in.

Kata - Forms that are demonstrated and judged for correct applicaton.

Tanto Randori - Aikido sparring where one of the competitors is armed with a foam tanto (knife) scoring point with a clean prescribed attacks.
Toshu the unarmed Aikidoka scores by applying throws and locks. The bout is split into two halves so that both competitors perform both roles.

Toshu Randori - Aikido sparring where both Aikidoka are trying to apply techniques.

Ninnin Dori - Three Aikidoka take part with two attacking one, changing rolls after a prescibed time. Ninnin Dori is judged on the variation of techniques, correct poture and application techniques.​​

​

​For those who are interested in Japanese weapons, Tomiki Aikido has Bokken (sword) Jo / Yari (spear) Tanto (knife) within the syllabus.

​​

Classes offer an enjoyable way to become fitter learning new life skills.​ ​

​​

Tomiki Aikido can be a life long hobby as there is not a requirement for students to participate in competition for grade promotion.